SHELTON, Phillip Jerome

Phillip Jerome Shelton, 60, of Tampa, FL passed away suddenly on Sunday 29 May 2022.  Phillip was born to Jerome (deceased) and Carolyn (nee Thrasher) Shelton on January 21^st, 1962 in Washington, D.C.  He spent his childhood in Olney, Maryland where his creativity and artistry bloomed in the form of one of a kind art work, sand sculptures, skate board ramps, and “wire men”.  He developed a passion for photography, creating art and travel early on in his life.  Phillip graduated in 1980 from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, VA.

After graduating high school, Phillip joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for more than four years.  He enjoyed his time in the service and took up teaching tennis while he was overseas.  Upon his honorable discharge, Phillip continued to teach and coach tennis in Florida vowing “never to have to wear long pants to work again” or live in any climate where snow and ice could jeopardize an opportunity for him to take to the open road.

He will be remembered as a loving man who never met a stranger and would share all he had with anyone who asked.  He valued family, friends, humor, and loyalty.   That was and is Phillips gift – the ability to give unconditionally, treasuring time spent with family and friends, and knowing how to frustrate the heck out of you one minute and then making you laugh the next. 

Phillip is survived by his daughter Ashley Lilienbeck of Dusseldorf, Germany and his son Noah J. Shelton of Tampa, FL.  He is also survived by his mother Carolyn, sisters Lynne C. (nee Shelton) Pittman and Susan D. (nee Shelton) Miller, his brother-in-law Robert Miller, his brother Victor and an abundance of loved ones and friends.  

There will be a private family memorial service for Phillip on Thursday 16 June in Florida.  In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity in Phillips name or go outside, let the sun shine on your face, think of him and smile (which will probably turn into a laugh – Phil would like that).